Progesterone

What is progesterone?

Progesterone is an essential female reproductive hormone. It plays vital roles in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Some key facts about progesterone:

• Produced mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovaries during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Also produced in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands.

What's the role of progesterone in the menstrual cycle?

• Prepares the endometrium (uterine lining) for implantation of a fertilized egg by thickening and supplying blood vessels to it. This is called the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle.

How does progesterone support pregnancy?

• Maintains the lining of the uterus to support pregnancy in early stages.


• Relaxes muscles in the uterus to prevent preterm labor.


• Stimulates breast development during pregnancy.

What causes low progesterone?

• Failure to ovulate due to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or primary ovarian insufficiency.


• Problems with the adrenal glands not producing enough progesterone.


• Use of hormonal contraceptives that contain only small amounts of progestins.

What are the effects of low progesterone?

Some effects of progesterone deficiency are:

• Abnormal menstrual periods and infertility.


• Issues with maintaining pregnancy, including miscarriage risk.


• Other issues like anxiety, insomnia, and headaches.

Treatment for low progesterone levels often utilizes bioidentical forms of progesterone delivered through creams or capsules. These aim to restore normal hormonal balance. If you're experiencing issues related to progesterone deficiency, make an appointment with Renew Hormone Clinic to get your hormones tested and determine an effective, personalized treatment plan.

Progesterone works hand-in-hand with estrogen during the female reproductive cycle and pregnancy. Maintaining healthy progesterone levels through ovulatory cycles, adrenal gland support, and use of bioidentical progesterone when needed leads to improved fertility, decreased menopause symptoms, and better overall health. Let Renew Hormone Clinic' expert endocrinologists help you optimize your vital hormone balance!